Abrams To Helm “Star Wars: Episode IX”

Lucasfilm is returning to familiar safe territory with “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” filmmaker J.J. Abrams slated to return to the franchise to direct “Star Wars: Episode IX” after the exit of former director, Colin Trevorrow earlier this month.

In a statement, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy says: “I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy. With The Force Awakens, J.J. delivered everything we could have possibly hoped for, and I am so excited that he is coming back to close out this trilogy.”

Abrams will also co-write the film with Chris Terrio. Trevorrow exited the project after issues with the script persisted throughout development. Jack Thorne was tapped to work on the script, how much of his will now remain is unclear.